ASLA members adhere to a code of design standards and professional ethics that assures clients, the
public and workplace colleagues of a landscape architect’s dedication to the highest standards in
professional practice. ASLA Full Members are landscape architects who have received a bachelor or
masters degree in landscape architecture from an accredited university and achieved a certain
amount of professional training and experience. Associate Members have earned a degree or
certificate in landscape architecture, and Affiliate Members are allied professionals. At the heart of
ASLA are 48 local and state chapters that provide members with the essential local focus for their
professional lives.
ASLA Code Of Ethics
The profession of landscape architecture, so named in 1867, was built on the foundation of several
principles: dedication to the public health, safety and welfare, and recognition and protection of the
land and its resources. These principles also form the foundation of the Code. The Code contains
important principles relating to duties to clients, employers, employees, and to other members of the
Society. The Code is arranged so that each Canon contains Ethical Standards - essentially goals
members should strive to meet. Some of the Ethical Standards contain objective Rules. Violation of
Rules might subject an ASLA member to a complaint while violation of Ethical Standards will not.
Therefore, the word “should” is used in the Ethical Standards and “shall” is used in the Rules. This
Code applies to the professional activities of all Fellows, Members, and Associate Members of ASLA.
The “Policies” established by the Board of Trustees, relative to environmental stewardship, quality of
life and professional affairs as established by the objectives and strategies of the Declaration on
Environment and Development shall be a basis of action by members, implicit in the Code of
Professional Conduct. The current Code of Ethics was adopted by the ASLA Board of Trustees on
October 1, 1998 and Amended in April 1999 and September 1999. A full account of the Code of Ethics,
Bylaws and Constitution of ASLA can be found at ASLA’s website:
www.asla.org
